A key element in the fight against corruption is the effective detection and sanctioning of corruption offences already committed. To this end, priority is given to increasing the number of cases that reach criminal proceedings, and to strengthening the mechanisms that support reporting and the enforcement of criminal law.
Hungarian criminal law clearly defines and sanctions corruption-related offences, and it also criminalises other forms of misconduct — such as abuse of office — that are regarded as corruption both in international practice and public perception. The legal framework is therefore fully harmonised with international stand-ards.
In recent years, several reforms have been introduced to criminal procedure law to improve the prevention and handling of corruption cases. These include the establishment of a new framework for covert investigations, stronger interagency cooperation, a more prominent prosecutorial role, and the introduction of agreements with cooperating offenders. In addition, the possibilities for submitting motions for review have been expanded.
The use of investigative tools requiring judicial authorisation demands thorough preparation and guarantees, while human intelligence remains an indispensable component of successful investigations.
The legal framework strengthens the fight against corruption and abuse of office by ensuring comprehensive cooperation between investigative authorities, prosecutors, and intelligence services.
The police place special emphasis on improving the preparedness of staff inves-tigating corruption cases and on preventing internal corruption, including through targeted training. The National Protective Service (NPS) supports the identification and reduction of corruption risks within public administration through awareness-raising, knowledge-sharing, technological development, and professional publications.
Among corruption offences, bribery and acceptance of bribery remain the most common categories. A major change was introduced on 1 January 2021, when the Criminal Code was amended to classify as bribery any unlawful advantage given or received in connection with the provision of healthcare services — thereby criminalising the phenomenon of gratuity payments.
The Act CLIV of 1997 on Health Care stipulates that any monetary, economic, or in-kind benefit accepted or requested in connection with the provision of public healthcare services constitutes an unlawful advantage. At the same time, the law clearly defines the scope and value of gifts that may be given legally.
The Act C of 2020 on the Legal Status of Healthcare Service Employees established a new employment framework for state healthcare, defined the grounds for exclusion from this regime, and eliminated dual practice between the public and private healthcare sectors.
Pursuant to Section 7 of Act XXXIV of 1994 on the Police, the competence of the National Protective Service in crime prevention and detection has been extended to persons employed in public healthcare, as well as to employees of state and municipal institutions operating within the healthcare system.
Following the amendment of Act XXXI of 1997 on the Protection of Children and on Guardianship Administration, as of 1 July 2024, the NPS is also responsible for conducting lifestyle screenings as part of the suitability assessments of child protection professionals.
Communicating the successful detection of corruption cases — through the press and online platforms — also plays an important preventive role, as it enhances public awareness, encourages law-abiding behaviour, and strengthens public trust.
